DiCamillo Companion
England

Crewe Hall

  • Built / Designed For: Sir Randolph Crewe

    House & Family History: Built between 1615 and 1636 for Sir Randolph Crewe, Crewe Hall was one of the largest houses in Cheshire in the 17th century. The House was enlarged in the late 18th century, altered by Edward Blore in the 19th century, and extensively restored by Edward M. Barry after a fire in 1866. Crewe remained the seat of the Crewe family until 1936, when the land was sold to the Duchy of Lancaster. The House was used as offices after World War II, serving as the headquarters for the Wellcome Foundation for almost thirty years. It is today a hotel, restaurant, and health club. King George V and Queen Mary visited Crewe in 1913 and their granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, visited in 1955.

    Comments: Pevsner called Crewe one of the two finest Jacobean houses in Cheshire.

  • Garden & Outbuildings: The Park was landscaped during the 18th century by Capability Brown, William Emes, and Humphry Repton. Formal gardens were designed by W.A. Nesfield in the 19th century, with Estate cottages designed by Nesfield's son, William Eden Nesfield. The Stableblock is contemporary with the House and is listed Grade II*.

  • Architect: Lancelot Brown

    Date: 18th century
    Designed: Landscaping

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    Architect: William Eames (Emes)

    Date: 18th century
    Designed: Landscaping

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    Architect: Humphry Repton

    Designed: Landscaping

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    Architect: William Andrews Nesfield

    Date: 19th century
    Designed: Formal gardens

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    Architect: William Eden Nesfield

    Date: 19th century
    Designed: Estate cottages

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    Architect: Edward Blore

    Date: 1837-43
    Designed: Repaired and altered House for 3rd Lord Crewe

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    Architect: Edward Middleton Barry

    Date: Post 1866
    Designed: Rebuilt interiors after 1866 fire

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  • John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. I, p. 9, 1852.

    John Preston (J.P.) Neale, published under the title of Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. I, 1818.

    Country Life: XXXIII, 634, 1913.

  • Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - SOFTBACK
    Author: Colvin, Howard
    Year Published: 1995
    Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
    ISBN: 0300072074
    Book Type: Softback

  • House Listed: Grade I

    Park Listed: Grade II

  • Past Seat / Home of: Sir Randolph Crewe, 17th century; Hungerford Crewe, 3rd Baron Crewe, 19th century; Crewe family here from 1615 until 1936.

    Current Ownership Type: Corporation

    Primary Current Ownership Use: Hotel

    Ownership Details: Today Crewe Hall Hotel, part of the Qhotels group.

  • House Open to Public: By Appointment

    Phone: 01270-253-333

    Fax: 01270-253-322

    Website: https://www.crewehallcheshire.co.uk

    Historic Houses Member: No